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Croatia drought and water shortage

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-04 23:03 UTC → 2026-08-05 06:42 UTC · added removed

Late summer 2026 drought continued to push river levels in Croatia heat wave pushed the Danube and Drava to historic lows. lows across Croatia and Serbia. On August 3, record‑low water was reported in the Drava, Danube and on Krk island, prompting a 30 % cut in water use for residents and tourists and raising concerns for navigation and ecosystems. Measurements showed levels were recorded: the Drava reached fell to a new minimum three times and the Danube fell to record depths, reached –164 cm at Bezdan, Serbia, with water temperatures around 26 °C. Navigation was limited, with The drop halted most commercial navigation, imposed load restrictions limits on Danube vessels and suspended many freight operations on both rivers. Hydro‑electric generation fell sharply, and in Hungary three of the Drava largely unnavigable. four reactors at the Paks plant were taken offline, underscoring regional energy‑security risks. Public water‑supply operators said intake and quality remained adequate, though a safety warning was issued after an unexploded explosive device was found near Osijek. The same heat wave, scarce rainfall, early snow melt drought also strained ecosystems and limited runoff affected the wider Danube basin. reduced river‑bank habitats. Downstream impacts were felt in Serbia the Danube fell to –164 cm at Bezdan, triggering emergency water‑use bans, while Serbia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria reported reduced Bulgaria, where low flows that strain hydro‑electric generation, transport threatened transport, power generation and aquatic habitats. Regional experts warned the drought tests resilience across energy, transport and environmental sectors. life. Forecasts for the next five to seven days indicated week showed no significant rise in water levels, and levels; authorities advised the public to avoid walking on avoiding exposed riverbanks and beds. riverbeds. Despite the low flows, household water supply remained stayed stable. On August 4, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković reiterated assured that Croatia’s electricity supply would remain secure despite the low river levels that forced the shutdown of Hungary’s only nuclear plant, secure, noting that the Krško nuclear plant continues to operate continued operating normally.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-05 06:42 UTC Croatia drought and water shortage
  2. 2026-08-04 23:03 UTC Croatia drought and water shortage
  3. 2026-08-04 16:29 UTC Croatia drought and water shortage
  4. 2026-08-04 12:37 UTC Croatia drought and water shortage
  5. 2026-08-04 11:32 UTC Croatia drought and water shortage

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